A Few Tips on Running an Association During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 virus outbreak has left many Board Members and Residents asking “What’s Next?”. During this trying time, it is our goal to provide you with some important answers on how to successfully run an association during a pandemic. The first step to knowing how to handle an emergency is understanding the particulars associated with the cause of the emergency.

COVID-19 is a newly detected infectious disease that falls under a larger family of viruses known as Coronaviruses. COVID-19 is contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact. The Center for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) states “The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.”

Holding Meetings/Elections

Board members should opt for tech solutions when determining how to run a board meeting during a pandemic. Always check with your legal counsel for insight on any rules or regulations that you must adhere too when going virtual.  Many options are available such as Zoom, GoToWebinar and Webex to name a few. Find more helpful suggestions by reading our Remote Communication and Collaboration Platforms blog.

Communication

Make sure communication is clear with residents about how the community will operate during the pandemic. Identify main channels of communication and keep the messages clear and concise.  If your residents are not tech-friendly post notices throughout the property where they can easily see the message.

Essential Employees

Limit the amount of exposure during the outbreak by only keeping essential employees on staff. Also, only keep essential projects underway and do not start any new projects.  Minimizing unnecessary outside contractors entering the community at this time is essential.

Sanitizing Common Areas

Make sure to follow the chemical guidelines mapped out by the CDC for sanitizing all surfaces and increase your cleaning frequency daily!

Closing Amenities

Closing Amenities is very important during this time to slow the spread of the virus in the community.  Governor Ron DeSantis issued Emergency Order 20-90 on April 1, 2020. Orders of this nature have been alternatively referred to as Lockdown Orders,” “Stay at Home Orders” and “Shelter in Place Orders.” There are also specific local county and city restrictions that have been issued that you should familiarize yourself with. Not following local orders can have strong consequences.  For example, in Palm Beach County, the Sheriff is authorized to arrest anyone using a community pool at this time.

For more useful suggestions please visit our website  https://www.castlegroup.com/covid-19-message/ to view the webinar series Combating COVID-19 In Your Community Association hosted by our Founder & CEO James Donnelly and Mrs. Donna Dimaggio Berger of Becker & Poliakoff Law Firm.